Napoli's Lukaku sidelined with thigh injury, Forest sign French striker

Napoli's Romelu Lukaku has suffered a serious thigh injury which may require surgery, the Serie A side announced on Monday, as media reported the Belgium forward may be sidelined for weeks.

Former Chelsea, Manchester United and Inter Milan player Lukaku picked up the injury on Thursday during a 2-1 win over Olympiakos Piraeus in a friendly.

Tests revealed that the 32-year-old, who scored 14 goals as Napoli won Serie A last season, has "a high-grade injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh," the club said.

Lukaku "has already begun rehabilitation and will also undergo surgical consultation," Napoli added in the statement.

Napoli begin their title defence at Sassuolo on Saturday.

FOREST SIGN FRENCH STRIKER KALIMUENDO FROM RENNES

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest have signed French striker Arnaud Kalimuendo from Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais on a five-year deal, the Premier League club said on Monday.

Financial details of the transfer were not revealed but British media reported Forest paid about 26 million pounds ($35.19 million) for the 23-year-old.

Kalimuendo came through Paris St Germain's academy and had two loan spells at Lens before joining Rennes in 2022, scoring 40 goals from 112 appearances in all competitions. At Lens, he netted 21 goals in 65 appearances.

Kalimuendo was impressive in 2024-25, with 18 goals and four assists in 34 matches for Rennes. He was part of the France squad that won silver at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

"This is a proud moment for me, joining a team who had a strong season last year and a club with great history," Kalimuendo said.

"I'm ready for the challenge, and I arrive here with good experience. I had a good season last year with goals and assists but I want more and want to reach a new level here."

Forest have spent about 147 million pounds on seven signings in the transfer window, including three in the last three days.

Kalimuendo joins midfielder James McAtee from Manchester City for 30 million pounds and winger Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town for 37.5 million at the City Ground.

Forest, who finished seventh last season, began the new campaign with a 3-1 home win over Brentford on Sunday. The Midlands club are also playing in the Europa League, which will be their first European campaign since 1996.